From delivering food to providing clothing, students have multiple opportunities to support their community as they enter this holiday season.
Lisha Cottrill, senior interior design major from Rockwall, said she believes the holidays are about giving back.
“This is such a great time for us to get involved with giving,” Cottrill said. “I think it leaves an impact when we help others who don’t have much, so I think these ministries are important.”
Students can serve breakfast to homeless or low-income families in Abilene through Breakfast on Beech Street, hosted by First Christian Church on weekdays from 6:30-7:15 a.m. B.O.B.S. volunteers help set up, prepare and serve the breakfasts and leave no later than 7:30 a.m.
Members of ACU also have the chance to feed the hungry without getting up at the crack of dawn: The Food Pantry of the Christian Ministry of Abilene needs volunteers to help bag, stock and pick up orders and donated groceries. The Food Pantry fosters a grocery-store environment so low-income Abilenians can shop for their own choice of food. The Food Pantry, located at 701 Walnut St., is open on Monday and Friday from 9:30-11:45 a.m. and from 1-2:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:45 a.m.
Students can also both serve others and earn Chapel credit through Meals On Wheels. This ministry allows volunteers to go door-to-door delivering hot meals to 12 to 16 to senior and adults with disabilities. Volunteer hours are available on Monday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The main facility is located at 717 N. 10th St.
Clothing volunteer services are also available. Love and Care Ministries provide help for the homeless of Abilene and welcomes volunteers Monday through Thursday starting at 9 a.m. and for occasional evening events at 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.
Michael Ortiz, junior information technology major from Monahans, has been volunteering for many years.
“In high school our student council helped with Meals On Wheels. We got to see how thankful the families were,” Ortiz said. “These opportunities are good for students to see the other side of the story.”
More information on these volunteer opportunities and others can be found in the Volunteer Opportunities Registry at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/slvr.
